Only Clear Or Mesh Backpacks Allowed In Dallas School District

In the aftermath of the Uvalde school massacre, Dallas ISD has decided to implement new safety measures: starting in the 2022-2023 school year, secondary students will be required to use clear or mesh backpacks. Other bags will no longer be allowed.

The decision stems from safety recommendations made by the district’s Safety Task Force and Internal Task Force. These are assembled by principals,  teachers, security professionals, parents, and community members who look at best practices from national and local safety data.

Uvalde’s Robb Elementary School shooting brutally took the life of 19 children and 2 teachers, leaving a gaping hole in the community and nation. Since then, gun policy arguments have resurfaced as the nation struggles to mend its broken society.

Dallas ISD recognizes that clear mesh backpacks are a small step toward solving a years-long problem of gun violence at schools.

“We acknowledge that clear or mesh backpacks alone will not eliminate safety concerns. This is merely one of several steps in the district’s comprehensive plan to better ensure student and staff safety,” said Dallas ISD on their website.

The school district believes that by easily seeing the items in the backpacks as students enter the school, campus personnel will be able to ensure that prohibited items are not included in the students’ belongings.

The website also indicates that the district will distribute free backpacks to those who need them.

“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority.”